The Road Is Good

How a Mother's Strength Became a Daughter's Purpose

By: Uzo Aduba

Narrated by: Uzo Aduba

A powerful, timely memoir of Black immigrant identity, the story of an unforgettable matriarch, and a unique coming-of-age story by Nigerian American actress Uzo Aduba.

The actress Uzo Aduba came of age grappling with a master juggling act: as one of few Black families in their white Massachusetts suburb, she and her siblings were the unexpected presence in whatever school room or sports team they joined. But Aduba was also rooted by a fierce and nonnegotiable sense of belonging and extraordinary worth that stemmed from her mother’s powerful vision for her children, and their connection to generations of family in Nigeria. The alchemy of being out of place yet driven by fearless conviction powered Aduba to success.

The Road Is Good is more than the journey of a young woman determined to survive young adulthood—and to create a workable identity for herself. It is the story of an incredible mother and a testament to matriarchal power. When Aduba’s mother falls ill, the origin of her own power crystallizes and Aduba leaps into a caretaker role, uniquely prepared by the history and tools her mother passed along to become steward of her ancestoral legacy.

Deeply mining her family history—gripping anecdotes her mother, aunts, and uncles shared in passing at family celebrations and her own discoveries through countless auditions in New York and her travels to Nigeria—Aduba pieces together a life story imbued with guiding lessons that are both personal and profoundly universal.

©2024 Uzo Aduba (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"With wit, insight, and heart, Aduba constructs a captivating self-portrait that doubles as an ode to her remarkable mother. In this powerful autobiography, even readers unfamiliar with Aduba’s acting work will be spellbound."
—Starred Review, Publishers Weekly

"This modest, thoughtful memoir pays less attention to [Aduba’s] successes than to her family, cultural heritage, Christian faith, and particularly her strong relationship with her mother. Reflective and infused with gratitude, the memoir is as much about the conflicts and comforts of growing up Nigerian-American as about those of becoming a working actor."
—Booklist

"Poignant and well-written, this memoir not only celebrates the achievements and talents of its author but also grounds readers in the customs of Nigeria. It is a must-have for fans of Aduba or Orange Is the New Black and for those wanting to read about the African diaspora."
—Starred Review, Library Journal

Perfect voice & pace

She has such a nice voice that kept me captivated the whole time. Her story was so relatable and I learned she grew up not too far from me!

Family and Culture

The author’s narration, especially with the Nigerian accents, is simply outstanding. Uzo’s intensity as an actor is equaled by her intensity as a storyteller who conveys the universal experience of an immigrant family’s devotion to its own culture and to accepting and extending the promise of living in America.

A daughter’s heartfelt journey with her mother’s guidance!

I loved her details of all family members characters and situations. Her account of the most intimate and happy events in her life!

Lovely story of Uzo's life & her mother

Loved learning about Uzo's story; especially the Nigerian experiences she had as a child. What a wonderful life of struggles, accomplishments and LOVE. Written with such passion and admiration for her mother.

Personal story well told

Uzo’s history is a uniquely American story that needs to be told. She made it personal and macro or meta at the same time. And, as always, entertaining.

Journey of love and success

I have always respected and enjoyed Uzo Aduba as an entertainer. Now, I add to that a lot of respect for Uzo as a human being. Many thanks to her for sharing her journey. I found it interesting and inspiring.

What I missed

This was a delight to listen to a Nigerian woman tell her story. Because of the science of DNA I now know that the majority of my DNA traces back to Nigerian.
I wish I had my own language, a specific name that has meaning in my culture. I am so grateful and thankful for Uzo Aduba. This book has given me another peak into one of the possible storylines that could have been mine.

A daughter’s love

Well written and paced, this is a beautiful memoir of Aduba’s life, Nigerian and Nigerian American family, career—and her glorious, strong, proud and kind mother. This work quietly expresses the strength of character Aduba clearly treasures as her mother’s greatest gift.

Love!!!!

A must read!. Uzo is truly a gem, and she has an uncanny magical way of sharing her story.

Her genuine soul

Love her, period. Enjoyed learning about her childhood and family. Wish I had a Mother like hers.